Daily servings of encouragement those w/ illness or pain, a program of Rest Ministries

Menu

Does It Matter When Other’s Don’t Get It?

We can grow frustrated when others don’t get what we are going through, both the good and the bad. But Fiona explains that this is okay.

“He is the one you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes” (Deuteronomy 10:21).

Having lived with chronic pain for nearly 28 years now–I forget what it was like to not have pain.

Sometimes people are blown away by that fact. I guess many don’t really understand chronic pain. That’s okay– I’ve got used to that reaction and I pray they never have to find out for themselves.

Do we really need others to “get it” when we talk about what life is for us?

When they don’t understand our joy at accomplishing something others might take for granted should we be upset?

Recently I was explaining to my small group how special it had been to see God work through, and despite, so many perceived obstacles, so that a meeting of two friends could take place. While they may have shared some of my joy over the outcome, I don’t think they really understood in what amazing ways God worked and what that confirmed to me.

Does it matter?

If God is confirming to me that He is in control and that He cares about things I care about; if God is seen to answer prayers and remove obstacles so things happen; if only I see that–does it matter? God gets it!

I think it’s frustrating sometimes when others don’t seem to “get” how big, how awesome and how amazing God is–just because I want them to bask in that knowledge as I am. I want it to increase their faith as it does mine. I want them to know and experience how much God cares for us in case they doubt any of those facts.

Chronic pain may have changed my life, but rather than understanding that, I want others to see how God changes my life for the better, every day.

Prayer: God You are awesome and I’m so grateful that You confirm that to me in so many ways. Help me to be attentive –but help me to share what really matters, so others can recognize You working in their lives too. Amen.

About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.

Have you had times when you felt it mattered that others didn’t really understand what you shared with them? What do you do to help others see what they might be missing?

This is artist Israel Houghton singing “Others” about how we want to love others the way God loves us. Regardless of what we are going through, we can be assured that those around us are experiencing their own struggles and griefs and they can certainly use our understanding and compassion. It’s a good reminder to look outside of ourselves and love others the way God loves us–unconditionally. -Lisa